By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has congratulated Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election following a highly contested poll that has sparked political unrest in Tanzania.
In a message posted on Friday, President Hassan Sheikh praised President Suluhu for what he described as her “strong leadership and commitment to democratic governance,” noting that her re-election reflected the trust and confidence of the Tanzanian people.
However, Suluhu’s victory has been marred by allegations of irregularities and opposition arrests, with critics describing the election as “deeply flawed.” The Tanzanian opposition has rejected the results, citing voter intimidation and lack of transparency during the process.
President Hassan Sheikh’s congratulatory message has also drawn attention at home, with opposition figures in Somalia accusing him of seeking to emulate Tanzania’s controversial electoral process in Somalia’s upcoming elections.
Despite the criticism, the Somali leader expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations between Mogadishu and Dodoma, emphasizing cooperation in trade, regional security, and counterterrorism efforts.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, secured what officials described as a “landslide victory” in a vote that has divided opinion across the East African region.
